USC removes name of Rufus Von KleinSmid, a eugenics supporter, from prominent building

[Demovictory9]

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-11/usc-removes-name-of-former-president-rufus-von-kleinsmid-a-supporter-of-eugenics-from-prominent-building

CALIFORNIA
USC removes name of Rufus Von KleinSmid, a eugenics supporter, from prominent buildingFolt, in her letter to the campus community, said Von KleinSmid served as the university’s fifth president for 25 years and expanded research, academic programs, and curriculum in international relations. But his support of eugenics clash with USC’s values today, she said.

“This moment is our Call to Action, a call to confront anti-Blackness and systemic racism, and unite as a diverse, equal, and inclusive university,” Folt wrote. “You have asked for actions, not rhetoric, and actions, now.”

[hunter]

1. Madrigal v. Quilligan

California had one of the highest sterilization rates in the country during the time of Madrigal v. Quilligan. The eugenics movement, which was part of the sterilization campaign, strived to deem those unfit for procreating as candidates for sterilization. There was also a funding program enacted that gave money to states based on the amount of sterilization procedures performed. Beginning in 1909, these procedures were supported by federal agencies that began to disperse funds in conjunction with the family planning initiative. With support from the federal government and an influx of immigrants from Mexico, California saw some of the highest rates of sterilization. Forced sterilizations occurred in part due to the notion that immigrant families would put a strain on fiscal budgets, and thus sterilization offered a means of population control, as well as lifelong birth control. In the case of Madrigal v. Quilligan, many unsuspecting women were coerced to sign paperwork to perform sterilization, while others were told that the process could be reversed. None of the women were fluent in English.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrigal_v._Quilligan

[Awsi Dooger]

2. Wow, that was one of my main hangouts on campus

We called it VKC (Von KleinSmid Center). I had several classes in there. More than anything, you could sit on the rows of steps in front of VKC and watch the world go by. Students would do that all day long. I would write my Daily Trojan articles on those steps before traipsing up to 4th floor Student Union to type them into the computer.

VKC was an awesome place to sit and wait for a friend to approach. This was long before cell phones. The VKC steps were just across from Bovard Auditorium and alongside the lawn of Doheny Library. Basically the approach to center campus and the Tommy Trojan statue coming from off campus apartments and the fraternity/sorority Row. Almost every student had daily reason to walk the path in front of VKC.

This is hardly an obscure building on a corner of campus. That's what I am saying. It will always be VKC to me. But I support Carol Folt and applaud her decision. Meanwhile I sure she is being skewered on USC forums. They tilt overwhelmingly conservative, at least from the loudmouth perspective.

[Demovictory9]

4. building is still there for the sitting just slight difference

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[Awsi Dooger]

5. USC is shortening everything except Clay Helton's contract

University Village was replaced by Village, and now this.

Doesn't have quite the same flow. I'm somewhat surprised the old lettering isn't more visible in terms of weathering, but perhaps they worked on that during removal.

[Nevilledog]

3. Never had a clue about Von KleinSmid's background.

I guess I always figured it was named after a big donor.

As an alum, I support this.